Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Muscle Training in Individuals with Acute Respiratory Distress

Abstract

Background: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) arises from accumulation of fluid in the tiny, flexible air
sacs of the lungs. Individuals with ARDS may experience muscle weakness, due to a condition known as intensive
care unit acquired weakness, resulting in impaired physical function. To mitigate potential complications namely
muscle weakness and joint contractures, and to assist with weaning from mechanical breathing and enhance the
overall quality of life for individuals with ARDS, early rehabilitation is strongly advised.
Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory muscle training against
conventional care among individuals with ARDS.
Materials and Methods: 30 subjects diagnosed with ARDS were randomly selected from the intensive care unit or
patient ward of Saveetha Hospital following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were allocated
into pulmonary rehabilitation with respiratory muscle training group (n=15) and conventional care group (n=15).
The effectiveness of the treatments was assessed at the end of 4 weeks using a 30 seconds sit-to-stand test and St.
George’s Respiratory Questionnaire.
Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the data collected. All parameters underwent
analysis employing mean and standard deviation. To analyze significant differences, pre-test and post-test
measures, a paired t-test was performed. P values < 0.0001 were deemed statistically significant.
Conclusion: The combination of pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory muscle training offered an adjunctive
treatment option for patients with ARDS, providing quality of life, and improving strength of the muscle activities
compared to conventional care alone.